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University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg and GW's "secret" society, the Order of the Hippo, sponsored the event.
The event has traditionally taken place outside in University Yard with colonial-era drummers and music, but inclement weather forced the event inside into the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, which prohibited having a bonfire.
"For us not to do something to celebrate George Washington's birthday would have been thoughtless," said Trachtenberg, who also briefly addressed the students. "We should be reminded of where we came from. Besides, this is a nice tradition. I think things like this stand out in people's minds when they look back on their college years."
George Washington believed the early United States needed a national university located in D.C. where "youth from all parts of the United States" might go to be educated in the arts and sciences, and to study "the principles of politics and good government." To help cover its cost, Washington willed 50 shares of his stock in the Potomac Company towards the foundation of what became the Columbian College in 1821, and today has grown to The George Washington University.
"I think there's a need to recognize the founder and namesake of our University," said senior Josh Lasky, who is the executive vice president of the Student Association but said he attended the event as a student volunteer. Organizers said about 250 students passed through the event.
The Order of the Hippo hosts the birthday celebration of George Washington every year. Washington was a member of an exclusive society, the Free Masons, of which Trachtenberg is also a member.
